Mass of Thanksgiving

On Sunday afternoon, we had a special Mass of Thanksgiving in our Cathedral to celebrate two significant anniversaries happening this year. The first is the 120th anniversary of the establishment of our Diocese of Fall River. In 1904, then Pope Pius X separated the territory of Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod from the Diocese of Providence to become what is now our Diocese of Fall River. The creation of the Diocese followed years of a growing Catholic population in the area, particularly in the cities of Bristol County.

This year’s other anniversary marks far fewer years but is one for which I am particularly thankful: my tenth anniversary of serving as your Bishop. I was installed as the Eighth Bishop of Fall River in St. Mary’s Cathedral on September 24, 2014.

I am so grateful to our priests, deacons, religious, and parishioners who were able to attend what was a wonderful Mass on Sunday for our Diocesan family and for me personally. It was a joyful celebration that concluded with a reception and a beautifully decorated 120th-anniversary cake.

In my homily for the Mass, I shared that as we celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Diocese, we need to look back and recall the rich history, look at the present with gratitude, and look ahead with faith and hope. We look back remembering so many who came before us, the bishops, priests, religious men and women, as well as the lay faithful who built our Diocese. Through good times and bad, in the midst of suffering and joy, they persevered, building numerous institutions and a vibrant diocesan community of faith that continues today.

As we mark this anniversary, we need an attitude of gratitude for all that went before us and for all that we have today. Such an attitude helps us to realize the many blessings around us. Our families and our parish communities are still the bedrock of our church. In gratitude, we must give thanks. How appropriate that our anniversary observance was centered around the celebration of the Eucharist, which is the ultimate sign and act of thanks to God.

In remembrance and with gratitude, we must now continue to move forward. It’s our turn to do our part, to re-build in hope and faith for now and for generations to come. Yes, there will be challenges; there always are. As I said in my homily at my installation ten years ago, “life is not waiting for the storms to pass; it’s learning how to dance in the rain.” We must rely on our faith to do this. From a perspective of faith, we know that God has a vision for us, a plan for our Diocese and for our Church. We must be open to it and ready to conform our ways to God’s plan. It is then that our ministries will bear much fruit, and we will find peace.

Catholic Youth Day

This past weekend also included Catholic Youth Day 2024 in our Diocese on Saturday. There were 400 in attendance, a number that grows each year. It was a full day that featured a presentation by a priest currently serving in Haiti, a concert, a variety of activities, and food. It was a pleasure to celebrate Mass for these faith-filled young people who give us hope for the future of our Diocese.

Looking Ahead

Our busy October continues in the days ahead. Thursday, October 10, is Mental Health Awareness Day, and this Sunday, I will celebrate the first of two Masses to help raise awareness of mental health and substance use challenges and the impact they can have on individuals and their families. The Mass this Sunday, October 13, will be at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Fall River. The other Mass will be on Saturday, October 26, at 4 p.m. in Corpus Christi Church in East Sandwich. All are welcome. You can learn more here, including how to submit a name for the Book of Remembrance to be offered during these Masses.

Finally, we will have our annual Procession and Mass for Peace in Fall River this Monday, the Columbus Day holiday, beginning at 6 p.m. in front of St. Anne’s Shrine. We will march to St. Mary’s Cathedral, where I will celebrate the Mass for Peace at 7 p.m. I hope you can join us. Our prayers for peace, as the Blessed Mother requested in Fatima 107 years ago, are so sorely needed today. If you are not able to participate, you can watch the livestream of the Mass on the Cathedral website at olfallriver.com.

Yours in Christ,
Bishop da Cunha

The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Bishop of Fall River